Senior Controls Project Manager (100% Remote / 25% Regional Travel):
An established, industry-leading automation systems provider is seeking a hands-on Senior Controls Project Manager
to oversee complex automated equipment programs from initial charter through deployment and customer launch.
This role offers the ultimate flexibility of a 100% remote workspace, with the option to use an established local office. This position requires only 25% regional travel for critical client integration and startup phases. If you are a technical leader who thrives on seeing advanced automation, robotics, and industrial systems successfully come to life on the plant floor, we want to hear from you.
What You’ll Do (Core Duties)
- Direct End-to-End Projects: Oversee and manage complex engineering automation projects from charter approval through production release, validation, and final quality sign-offs.
- Manage Project Lifecycles: Implement and adhere to structured gateway processes to ensure all program stages are precisely defined, reviewed, and approved.
- Track Timelines & Resources: Utilize advanced project portfolio tools (such as Smartsheet or MS Project) to closely monitor schedules, manage personnel allocation, map dependencies, and mitigate critical launch risks.
- Oversee Financial Integrity: Collaborate with cross-functional stakeholders to develop accurate material and labor cost estimates, manage project capital, and strictly enforce project budgets.
- Lead Cross-Functional Collaboration: Facilitate regular progress meetings, deliver status dashboards to management, and manage strategic relationships between internal design teams, external suppliers, and customer technical groups.
What We’re Looking For (Core Requirements)
- Experience: 5–7+ years of engineering project management or hardware/software launch engineering experience, specifically within automated assembly, robotics, or high-volume manufacturing environments.
- Technical Frameworks: Deep familiarity with advanced project validation workflows (such as APQP/PPAP), risk mitigation protocols (FMEA/PFMEA), and manufacturing compliance standards.
- Tools & Systems: Proficiency using milestone tracking software (Smartsheet, MS Project, or MS Planner) alongside exposure to industrial controls architectures (PLCs, HMIs, or machine networks).
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Business Management, or equivalent hands-on professional experience; Project Management Professional (PMP) certification is a plus.
- Soft Skills: Exceptional technical writing, organizational capabilities, and professional customer relations skills.
- Logistics: Valid driver’s license, a valid passport, and the willingness to travel regionally up to 25% for system start-up, debug, and validation assignments.
What We Offer (Benefits)
- True Workplace Flexibility: Enjoy a 100% remote role with a flexible schedule, cutting out the daily commute entirely. An established local office space is also available if preferred.
- Competitive Compensation: Top-of-market base salary accompanied by performance-based bonus structures.
- Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Fully funded medical, dental, and vision insurance packages with HSA/FSA options.
- Future Security: Robust 401(k) retirement plan with an immediate, highly competitive company match.
- Work-Life Balance: Generous Paid Time Off (PTO), paid parental leave, and designated corporate holidays.
- Career Growth: Dedicated budget for professional certifications (such as PMP training), continuous education tuition assistance, and clear pathways into executive engineering leadership.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, age, color, sex (including pregnancy), religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws or regulations.
GPAC (Growing People and Companies) is an award-winning search firm specializing in placing quality professionals within multiple industries across the United States since 1990. We are extremely competitive, client-focused and realize that our value is in our ability to deliver the right solutions at the right time.
